Kia Motors on Tuesday launched the fourth-generation model of its signature sport utility vehicle dubbed The SUV, Sportage.

Armed with an edgier design and more powerful performance, the full-change version of what had sold more than 3.7 million units around the world is expected to lead global vehicle trends while retaining the country’s best-selling SUV status, the company said.

“The SUV, Sportage is the epitome of what Kia has to offer in a vehicle. With the know-how for safety, efficiency, design and performance, we are proud to say that the car will surprise the world,” said Kia president and CEO Park Han-woo at the press conference on the day.

“We put ‘The’ in front of the name to emphasize that we are the unparalleled barometer of an urban SUV. We have been benchmarked by global carmakers since 1993, and since retained that pioneer status,” said Kim Chang-sik, executive vice president of the domestic sales division.

Over the 22 years since its launch, the car has adopted a fluidic sculpture design. However, the shape of its hood has become aggressive, with the headlamps pushed above the grille. This reminds people of a predator’s eyes or the legs of a sprinter, the company’s design head Lim Seung-bin said.

The side and the rear have become larger in size, but leaner in design, under the theme of “sporty and powerful.” This very dynamic design will set the Sportage’s design apart in the global midsize SUV segment, and even among Hyundai Motor Group siblings including the Tucson, Kim said.

Its R2.0 diesel engine flaunts 186 horsepower and a maximum torque of 41 kilogram-meters with emissions satisfying the Euro 6 regulations. It also marks 14.4-kilometers-per-liter fuel mileage.

The car is facilitated with some of the trendiest options. The noise, vibration and harshness are absorbed to the maximum while advanced airbags, autonomous emergency braking and high-beam assists enhanced safety. The Smart Tailgate, which allows people to open the trunk without using the keys, as well as the JBS sound system and wide panorama sunroof add fun for all passengers, the company said.

The company has defined its target customers as those in their 30s and 40s, dubbed as the “sport age,” who are fastidious about cars ― scaling design, performance, spacious interior and options.

Kia has reportedly poured 390 billion won ($330 million) over the past 44 months into the development project, as known as the “QL.” It plans to sell 30,000 units by the end of the year, and 60,000 units annually. The price of The SUV, Sportage starts at 23.4 million won.

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)